Chapter 20 #2
“Yes. That’s my thought.” He pulled his hand away, scanning the mirrors in the small vehicle once again as he’d done a dozen times. We’d headed toward the airport, watching oncoming traffic, both fearful of another incident.
“Another marriage to form an alliance?” When he grinned and shook his head, I almost laughed although nothing was funny. “You didn’t think I knew. Trust me. Very little happened in my family I didn’t know about.”
“Yeah, I get that now.”
“The Brotherhood? Do you think they’re strong enough to pull this off? They did use muscle with another cartel before.”
Shrugging, he glanced into the rearview mirror as he slowed his speed. “It’s definitely possible. They are rich. They are powerful and they have thousands of members. We need to send off the pictures we took and maybe we’ll get lucky.”
“What if we don’t?”
“Don’t worry, babe. No one is going to touch you again.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
He’d shown the kind of bravery that few men were forced to display in their lives. I knew in my heart that he’d do anything to keep us alive.
Maybe what he’d learned was that I would as well.
He pulled to a stop behind a piece of machinery used to load the private jets, which was nestled behind a small group of hangars.
There were several airport employees on the ground, moving throughout the area.
When he cut the engine, pulling the keys, he didn’t look at me right away.
“I would tell you to stay here, but I have a feeling you won’t listen to me. ”
“I’m listening. I’m just afraid of being without you.”
Every sigh was heavier, every expression on his face turning darker. “Then stay behind me. If the plane has been compromised, we’ll need to stay off the main roads and find a place to lay low until reinforcements arrive.”
“Understood.”
“You have your weapon.”
“Yes.” I pulled it from my jacket, the steel piece feeling heavier in my hand than before. Perhaps from the weight of decisions made.
“Come on. Let’s get this over with. I’ll double back and get our things if Jack is still alive.”
Hearing his frank, unemotional statement brought a new wave of fear. He was used to dealing with danger.
I was used to going home after a tough day at work, pulling out a bottle of wine and enjoying music, not gunfire.
“Stay behind me. You will follow those directions. Period.”
We left the car, remaining in the shadows as we moved a small collection of planes, staying behind the buildings until he noticed the family’s plane.
I inched beside him, both of us peering at the sleek jet.
And the four men who even I could tell were standing guard while trying to appear as if airplane employees.
“Fuck,” he muttered, placing his arm in front of me and pushing us further out of sight.
“Do you think Jack is inside?”
“I don’t know.”
The sound of a vehicle caught our attention.
A small car moved toward the plane and almost as soon as the driver pulled it to a stop, a passenger climbed out.
I’d been on enough flights on the family jets to know the two different pilots who worked for the family always wore uniforms exactly like the one the man was wearing.
“Is that Jack?” I asked, although a sense of dread pooling in my stomach provided the answer.
“That’s not Jack.” He turned to face me, gripping my arm. “Jack is dead.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do. Now, come on. We need to find a safe place.”
“I don’t want to leave him.”
His expression softened. “I know, but there’s nothing we can do.”
* * *
“Welcome to the Bamboo Hotel. I do so hope you enjoy your stay and are honored that you’re here for your honeymoon.”
I’d been in the restroom when Donatello had begun the check-in process. I turned my head very slowly, shocked he’d make such a choice.
He lowered his head, arching his eyebrows.
“Here are your keys,” the hotel clerk continued, speaking English, which also somewhat surprised me, but being American was much easier than trying to pretend we were from another country.
Donatello’s eyes were imploring, as if reminding me to keep up an act I hadn’t known I needed to perform. Why not? I slipped my arm under his, pulling him close. “We’re so thrilled to be here.”
Hearing my slight Southern accent, Donatello could barely contain a grin. Why not wear an invisible mask? If we were role playing again, we might as well enjoy the time.
Or at least that’s what I continued to tell myself.
“Would you like a list of various romantic getaways?” The clerk was being very accommodating.
Maybe too much so.
“Ah, thank you and bless your heart, but I’ve waited long enough to be able to spend some quality time with my husband.” When I over-accentuated the one word, Donatello finally chuckled.
“Of course. I think you’ll find the accommodations enticing.”
We were handed the keys, and of course my new husband pocketed them.
“Right through the breezeway and up the stairs. Please let me know if you need anything during your stay.” The clerk smiled.
“Thank you,” Donatello said with a flat voice. To which I pinched him.
“Honey bunchkins. I know the flight was long, but I do have a sexy little nightie with your name written all over it.” I backed away, shimmying my hips.
I had a feeling I’d be chastised for getting into the groove of our fake marriage.
“Of course if you’ve very, very good. You will grab the luggage, won’t you?
Snookums?” Seeing the expression on his face allowed me to laugh.
Even if a knot remained in my stomach.
I left him behind, sashaying like a good southern girl would do, enjoying the moment more than I should.
By the time we arrived at our destination, it was almost one in the afternoon.
Donatello had taken the scenic route, ensuring that we hadn’t been followed.
The three-hour drive had taken several more with stops for gas and beverages.
We’d also gotten a few supplies, including some additional clothing to try to blend in, hats for both of us.
Neither one of us had been hungry and nothing had been left to chance.
Armac?o dos Búzios was known as the location residents of Rio de Janeiro went when longing to spend time by the ocean. While the area was much smaller, the atmosphere was similar, upscale hotels dotting the coastline.
I’d found a quaint, much smaller hotel, the location better suited for remaining in hiding until the cavalry arrived.
With Spanish architecture, right on the water, and a full-service restaurant and bar attached, we’d find no need to go anywhere. There was even a cobblestone patio bar covered with a trellis housing some of the most incredible bougainvillea flowers I’d ever seen, the color a rich ruby.
What I couldn’t understand was why the location had only been given two stars.
It was gorgeous, a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, only we weren’t on vacation and in truth, we weren’t lovers.
At least not in the traditional sense.
We were two people caught up in a Prince family nightmare of my creation. I wasn’t sorry for myself. As Donatello had reminded me, Alexander as well after he’d given me the silent treatment was that I’d been watched for at least a few days in New Orleans.
Someone had developed extensive plans that had simply been changed when I’d left town.
So here we were, locked away together in paradise for a couple of days.
If what my brother had said was true, we’d need to remain in hiding for two days.
That’s all it would take for him to send a brigade of soldiers to the area to rescue us.
I’d asked myself the question as to if I wanted to be rescued. The answer wasn’t shocking but wouldn’t be supported.
With the line being crossed with Donatello, I never wanted it to shift back and I knew at some point it would be because there was no other choice.
Donatello had been very careful, managing to pay cash instead of being forced to use a credit card. He certainly had a way with people, convincing them it was in their best interest to work with us.
Of course he’d flashed a wad of cash in the young hotel clerk’s face.
He caught up with me a few seconds later, forcing his arm around my waist. “Now that we’re married, wife of mine, I need to remind you that you are required to obey all my rules. Just like we spoke in our vows.”
At least the man hadn’t lost his sense of humor. I elbowed him, pulling away only to be captured once again.
“You couldn’t think of anything better?” I chastised while we walked up the stairs.
“I figured being on our honeymoon no one would bother us.”
“I guess we’ll see. So is this a full-service marriage like our date?”
My laugh was met with a frown. “I’m here to protect you. Remember?”
“Haven’t we been through this more than once?”
He slipped the card into the lock, giving me a doleful look. “You’re right. We have. You just don’t want to listen to me.” Pushing the door open, he allowed me to step inside first, placing the bags on the floor by the door.
While the room was small, the bathroom was luxurious and included a soaking tub along with a shower. The small balcony on the second floor had a table, two chairs, and a perfect view of the ocean, which was only steps away, the walk on a white sandy beach.
After dropping my things, I threw open the door, moving outside and standing by the iron railing. The light breeze was especially nice, the bright sun creating a shimmer across the water. Even the rental house hadn’t provided such a spectacular view.
I took a deep breath, stretching and allowing the sun to beat down on my face.
He’d remained so quiet during the drive, paying close attention to bringing us here safely. With Brazil being a huge country, unless we’d made a horrific mistake or had been followed, it was doubtful anyone would find us.
While he hadn’t made a single noise, I’d known he was right behind me. Every time he was close, goosebumps appeared on my skin.
Why should now be any different?
“What now? We stay in the room?” I don’t know why I was bothering to ask. “Should I pull out that sexy lingerie I mentioned?”
“Maybe later.”
His answer surprised me. When I turned to face him, I was further shocked by the carnal look in his eyes. When it shifted to clear amusement, I growled and punched him in the stomach.
“Touché, baby. Two can play at that game.”
Rolling my eyes, I could feel the awkwardness I’d hoped we’d passed creeping in again.
“My suggestion is that we get changed. Then we head to the restaurant downstairs and enjoy some lunch and a drink.”
“Aren’t you afraid we’ll be seen?”
He moved so he was standing behind me. “I was very careful and we’re honeymooners. I think we can blend in. Just whatever you change into, try not to look like an assassin.”
“Is that what I looked like before?”
“The red dress did make you look very dangerous.”
We both stared at each other, uncertain how we were supposed to act, which was ridiculous. “Well, you don’t need to worry about that. I plan on throwing it away.”
He said nothing, remaining where he was in silence as he’d done countless times in New Orleans. When I skirted around him, a huge part of me wanted him to stop me from going anywhere.
To toss me on the bed and make good on our honeymoon status.
But he didn’t.
He merely allowed me to walk unimpeded toward the suitcases, not even bothering to watch me walk away.
I know because I looked.